The mission of The International Academy of Endodontics is to improve the oral health of the public by promoting the highest quality of non-commercial endodontic and scientific continuing education for its membership. .......our members seek out speakers from many areas in biology, medicine and dentistry who are exceptional leaders in their field. The goal of the meeting is to provide advanced knowledge and understanding, to give inspiration through basic science and clinical leadership, and to provide serious mentorship for all attendees.
May 29, 2025 (Members Meeting for IAE Members only)
May 30-31, 2025 (Scientific Program for All Attendees)
Click here to go to the IAE Meeting page for more details
Highlights of Speakers and Topics
Long Essay Presentations
Prof. Gerd Gigerenzer
Director, Harding Center for Risk Literacy at the University of Potsdam,
Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg
Berlin, Germany
Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg
Berlin, Germany
"The Art of Risk Communication"
In modern high-tech health care, patients appear to be the stumbling block: an uninformed, anxious, noncompliant folk with unhealthy lifestyles who demand treatments advertised by celebrities, insist on unnecessary but expensive imaging, and may eventually turn into plaintiffs. Patients’ lack of health literacy has received much attention. But what about their physicians? Studies show that the majority of doctors are innumerate, that is, they do not understand basic health statistics, such as what the results of screening tests mean. This engenders superfluous treatment, anxiety, and healthcare costs. As a consequence, the ideals of informed consent and shared decision-making remain a pipedream; both doctors and patients can be easily misled by biased information in health brochures and advertisements.
I argue that the problem is not simply in the minds of doctors, but in the way health statistics are framed in journals and brochures. A quick and efficient cure is to teach efficient risk communication that fosters transparency as opposed to confusion. I report studies with doctors, medical students, and patients that show how transparent framing helps them understand health statistics in an hour or two. Raising taxes or rationing care is often seen as the only viable alternative to exploding health care costs. Yet there is a third option: by promoting health literacy, better care is possible for less money.
I argue that the problem is not simply in the minds of doctors, but in the way health statistics are framed in journals and brochures. A quick and efficient cure is to teach efficient risk communication that fosters transparency as opposed to confusion. I report studies with doctors, medical students, and patients that show how transparent framing helps them understand health statistics in an hour or two. Raising taxes or rationing care is often seen as the only viable alternative to exploding health care costs. Yet there is a third option: by promoting health literacy, better care is possible for less money.
About the presenter:
Gerd Gigerenzer is a German psychologist who has studied the use of bounded rationality and heuristics in decision making. Gigerenzer is director emeritus of the Center for Adaptive Behavior and Cognition (ABC) at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development[1] and director of the Harding Center for Risk Literacy,[2] both in Berlin.
Gigerenzer investigates how humans make inferences about their world with limited time and knowledge. He proposes that, in an uncertain world, probability theory is not sufficient; people also use smart heuristics, that is, rules of thumb. He conceptualizes rational decisions in terms of the adaptive toolbox (the repertoire of heuristics an individual or institution has) and the ability to choose a good heuristics for the task at hand. A heuristic is called ecologically rational to the degree that it is adapted to the structure of an environment.
Dr. Jason Smithson
Private Practice
St. Agnes, Cornwall, UK
"Biomimetic Management of the Compromised Posterior Dentition"
Summary:
In recent years it has become well accepted the direct composite resin restorations are predictable in small to medium sized cavities; similarly, the durability of full coverage crowns is well known. However, the grey area is when a cavity falls somewhere between the two: what do we do when a direct restoration would seem wildly optimistic, yet a crown overly destructive?
This lecture will explore strategies and protocols for these difficult to treat teeth and suggest evidence-based solutions.
Learning Objectives:
- The “Peripheral Rim Theory” and the importance of Rainey’s Ridge and Web in preparation design.
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Minimally invasive cavity preparations. Why preservation of tooth structure is critical to long-term success.
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Marginal ridge preservation and new concepts for tunnel preps.
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Immediate Dentin Sealing and Gingival Margin Elevation: the new normal.
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Preparation designs and instrumentation for partial coverage adhesive restorations
" Management of Discoloured Teeth: An Ultra-Conservative Approach "
Summary
Teeth become discoloured for a variety of reasons: tetracycline staining, loss of vitality or
after restoration with silver amalgam to name but a few.
These teeth were classically treated with full coverage crowns: today this would be
unnecessarily destructive.
Sometimes these teeth are amenable to bleaching; however, what do we do when
bleaching fails or is inappropriate.
In this fast-moving evidence-based tips and tricks lecture Dr Smithson discusses:
- Diagnosis of tooth discoloration: not all are created equal.
- The Modified Walking Bleach Protocol: a simple predicable approach for the home
whitening of discoloured non-vital teeth. - Prevention of resorption and the coronal barrier seal.
- Optimal resin selection for the discoloured tooth.
- Translucence and opacity, when and where
- Tooth preparation, layering and finishing to recreate natural tooth structure when
masking a discoloured tooth with direct resin.
About the presenter:
Jason Smithson is an internationally renowned cosmetic and reconstructive dentist formerly of London’s Harley Street Medical District, he is now based in St Agnes, Cornwall where he offers dentistry, dental-education and medico-legal expert witness services
World-class crowns, veneers and direct composite resin artistry are delivered with uncompromising standards bespoke to the patient’s individual requirements. He is considered to be the ‘Dentist’s Dentist’ and regularly treats other dentists; many of whom travel from throughout the UK to see him.
Dr Smithson is an ‘In Demand’ presenter and is perhaps the most prolific in the UK. He is considered by his peers to be an authority on aesthetic dentistry and has presented to audiences on every continent over the past 10 years. He is a true innovator and pioneered the use of Dental Operating Microscope in teaching Direct Resin Artistry to other dentists in the UK; he is the author of numerous articles and a book on crowns in aesthetic dentistry.
Prof. Falk Schwendicke
Professor of Conservative Dentistry,
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
"Maintaining pulp vitality: A matter of invasiveness?"
The lecture will circle around the current debate around selective removal of carious dentin, pulpotomy, direct capping and root-canal treatment as alternatives for managing deep caries lesions in teeth with no or minimal symptoms. It will provide an update on the current evidence landscape and critically appraise clinical versus histological outcomes in managing pulp vitality.
Learning Objective 1 To understand the rationale behind different excavation strategies in deep lesions.
Learning Objective 2 To be able to describe the technical implementation of different excavation strategies.
Learnng Objective 3 To know the latest literature on emerging alternatives in vital pulp therapy.
About the presenter:
Professor of Conservative Dentistry,L udwig-Maximilians-Universität München including Operative, Preventive and Paediatric Dentistry, and Periodontology. His research focuses on cariology, artificial intelligence, health economics and health services research. He is one of the most highly cited researchers in dentistry.
Prof. Claire Lewis
Professor of Molecular & Experimental Pathology
University of Sheffield, Medical School
University of Sheffield, Medical School
"Immunotherapy: have we now entered a golden, new age in cancer treatment?"
Summary:
Over the past decade, a number of immunotherapies have been developed to treat cancer. These stimulate the ability of the patient’s immune system to recognise and kill cancer cells. Although they have the potential to be highly effective in various forms of cancer, only 15-30% of patients show durable, positive responses. In this talk, Professor Claire Lewis from the University of Sheffield will summarise the current state of play with cancer immunotherapy (including in oral cancer) and describe an exciting new immunotherapy her team has developed for the treatment of prostate cancer.
About the presenter:
After completing my DPhil (PhD) in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics in Oxford in 1986, I held two postdoctoral positions and a Lectureship in the Medical School there before moving to join the Medical School in Sheffield in 1996. I currently hold a Personal Chair in Molecular & Cellular Pathology and head a team of pre and postdoctoral scientists.
I was awarded a DSc by Oxford University in 2006 for my contribution to the field of tumour inflammation research. During my career, my group has filed numerous patent applications and worked with various collaborators in the commercial sector. I also enjoyed running a spin-out company and was delighted to receive Cancer Research Horizon's Woman Entrepreneur Award in 2022.
Prof. Justin Durham
Director, Health Innovation Neighbourhood.
Professor of Orofacial Pain & Hon. Consultant Oral Surgeon.
Newcastle University. Newcastle upon Tyne, England
"An endodontic triple ‘threat’? The 3 Ts of non-odontogenic pain: TMD, Trigeminal neuropathic pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia"
Summary:
This presentation will outline advances in our understanding of persistent pain, alongside the presentation, diagnosis, investigation and management of the 3Ts with relevance to the dental professional undertaking endodontic treatment.
About the Presenter:
Justin is a Professor of Orofacial Pain and Head of the School of Dental Sciences at Newcastle University and an Honorary Consultant Oral Surgeon at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne’s Hospitals’ NHS Foundation Trust in the UK.
His primary research interests are in orofacial pain both at the first and second translational research gaps.
He has wide experience in a variety of methodologies involved in health services research. He leads an active orofacial pain research group which has wide-ranging international collaborations and that is truly multidisciplinary in nature.
As pain is multidimensional and involves not only perception of intensity, but also more wider reaching effects such as how it makes you feel or act our research program involves many different disciplines including: clinical dentistry such as oral surgery, endodontology; clinical medicine, clinical nutrition, and clinical psychology; health sciences such as health economics, medical sociology; biomedical sciences such as neuroscience and imaging and neurophysiology.
Alternate Speaker
Dr. Ali Etemad
30 minute Essay Presentations
Dr. Carlos Aznar Portoles
Endodontic Resurgery: Bringing teeth back to life?
Dr. Thibaut Merit
Single session heresies
Short Essay Presentations
Dr. Frankie Rholdon
Rash decisions: Dermatological pearls in dentistry
Dr. Fiona Mcmichen
Introduction to photobiomodulation
Dr. Ryan Tiggret
Collaborate for Excellence in Restorative Endodontics
Dr. Matthew Kintsler
Ultra Conservative treatment of calcified anterior teeth
Dr. Armando Hernandez
Surgical intervention of cracked teeth - Is this even an option?
Dr. Sherwin Cheng
Rethinking Proximal Restorations
Dr. Sarah Crepps
Beyond ergonomics: simple ways to prevent injuries specific to endodontists and their assistants
Dr. Ryan Sorden
Reconstruction of Root Canal Treated Teeth using Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Composite
Dr. Scott Bentkover
Will a Dual Iris Really Benefit Me?
Dr. Kirk Huffaker (alt)
How and when to stay out of the pulp and communicating with RD
Friday Lunch Speaker
Shaun Wane
England National Rugby League Coach
Wigan Warriors Leadership and Management Director
Topics:
AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP – SHAUN’S BLUEPRINT FOR INSPIRED LEADERSHIP
ADVERSITY AS FUEL – TURN SETBACKS INTO SUCCESS
CULTIVATING A WINNING CULTURE – DEVELOPING YOUR COMPANY DNA
Summary:
Shaun Wane's ability to build championship-winning teams is legendary. Delve into the strategies he employs to create a cohesive and high-performing group. Learn how Shaun instills a culture of collaboration, trust, and respect within his teams. Explore actionable tips for cultivating a similar environment in your organization.
Shaun’s personal journey of overcoming challenges, coupled with the relentless sport of Rugby League, has meant that Shaun has developed a playbook of strategies for turning adversity into a catalyst for growth and success. Shaun's story serves as an inspiration, which you can use to fuel your business. Explore the power of leading by example and how it can motivate your team to persevere in challenging times.
Building a successful team or organization isn’t just about finding talented individuals; it’s about creating a cohesive unit that shares a common vision and values. Shaun’s expertise extends beyond the rugby field to the realm of developing an organizational DNA that attracts, nurtures and retains the right people, aligned with your mission, culture and aspirations.
About the presenter:
Shaun David Wane is an English professional rugby league coach and former professional rugby league footballer, who is currently the head coach of the England national rugby league team. He is also Leadership and Management Director of Wigan Warriors, for whom he served as head coach from 2011 to 2018 winning three Super League Grand Finals and one Challenge Cup.
As a player, he played at international level as a prop for Great Britain, and at club level for Wigan, Leeds and Workington Town as a prop, second-row or loose forward from 1982 to 1994.